Not A Good Time To Head To Paris?
Well here we are at that exciting time, the last day at home before we set off on our next adventure, the day when the backpacks get packed, the fridge gets emptied and the itching of the feet reaches fever point. Except this time there’s a succession of items which have us scouring the news stories and checking and re-checking websites for the latest updates.
Our first point of call on this next adventure is Paris, and it can’t have passed many people by that this may not be quite the best time ever to visit that enchanting city.
But first, there’s industrial action on the railways in the UK. Tomorrow, Monday 3rd, is the start of an adventure which will commence with a rail journey from our home in Kent up to London, timed to enable us to board the Eurostar train to Paris. Unfortunately the nature of this industrial action means that last minute cancellations or changes to timetable are more likely than pre-planned changes, making that first leg much more uncertain than we would like. Effectively, we will only learn if our train is delayed or cancelled when we arrive at the station.
And then, just when we believe that such domestic issues are our biggest worry, Paris, and French cities generally, descend into chaotic scenes with widespread rioting and extreme unrest. It’s not for us to comment on the matters which have led to this unrest, but clearly the whole scenario has forced us to be monitoring developments on an almost hourly basis.
How will our ability to travel within France be impacted? Will we be affected by curfews? Should we move on from Paris, or indeed France, earlier than we intended? Most important, will we be safe?
Well, at this stage, we aren’t being deterred and hopefully will be heading off tomorrow morning. And rather than dwelling on bad possibilities we’ll be focusing on heading southwards towards the warmer Mediterranean climate and all that it has to offer.
Without, we hope, too much drama.
25 Comments
Monkey's Tale
Yikes, I haven’t been up on the news lately, so I just read of the riots now. Be careful!! Maggie
Brian
You will love Provence!
Have fun
Brian
Alison
Oh no, it seems to be getting worse in Paris. I would be tempted to by pass Paris altogether. We have neighbours who are spending three months in Paris from 1 August.
Still sometimes these things are just concentrated in one area. The curfews would be a bother though. Good luck 🤞
Phil & Michaela
Cheers Ali. Well these things are almost always “after dark” issues so we’re hoping daytime will be no trouble, and then probably not venture out of our own neighbourhood at night. We’re only in Paris for a couple of nights so yes our fingers are crossed too.
Lookoom
To simplify things, the international media say “Paris”, but in reality the problems are concentrated in some parts of the suburbs, where you wouldn’t have gone anyway. There has been some localised action in Paris, but you would notice it straight away, and except out of curiosity, you would not stay if it happens. Paris is big enough that most neighbourhoods are not affected.
Phil & Michaela
Yeah we figured the same. Plus these things happen after dark, including metro disruption if any, so we figure daytimes will be fine and then most likely stay in our own neighbourhood (Bastille) in the evenings. And we’re moving on by Wednesday anyway…
HeyJude
I’d be heading directly to the south, but avoid Marseille!
WanderingCanadians
That’s a bit silly about how you’ll only know if your train is delayed or cancelled when you arrive at the station. Fingers crossed it all goes according to plan. Stay safe.
Annie Berger
If ever two travelers could cope with challenges 8t would be you both. Sounds like you’ve got a sensible plan in place to tour central Paris during the day and then relax at night indoors. Southern France sounds delightful. Be safe and Bon Voyage!
Phil & Michaela
Cheers Annie x
Toonsarah
Yes, not the best of times to be heading to Paris. We’re selfishly hoping things will have calmed down by the time we go in early September! Good luck with the trains and with the overall unrest. I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous trip regardless of any obstacles at the start!
Phil & Michaela
I’m more anxious about the trains here than I am about Paris, in truth!
Toonsarah
Yes, I get that!
Helen Devries
Take care at the Gare du Nord…..friends travelling through Paris tell me it is not at all pleasant even in daytime – and watch the people pushing you to take the pirate taxis.
Phil & Michaela
Well in truth the metro is so easy to use that taxis really aren’t necessary in Paris, but yeah it’s an absolute hotspot for bag thieves and pickpockets.
Helen Devries
Of course, I’d forgotten that you are travelling light! Trailing luggage through those damned access doors then up hill and down dale to get to your platform was a nightmare…so taxis it was.
Phil & Michaela
😀
Mike and Kellye Hefner
I am sending good vibes your way! Hopefully, everything will work out perfectly. If it doesn’t, I can’t think of two people who could handle it better than you two. Can’t wait to see your posts!
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Kellye…fingers are crossed
mochatruffalo
Stay safe!
grandmisadventures
At least this trip was one of more freedom and adapting so you can change your plans as needed without too much trouble. Safe travels!
Phil & Michaela
Very true
leightontravels
I am left wondering how your French adventure has panned out. You seem to have escaped the worst of the chaos and things were quietening down a bit as you set off. I hope that you were still able to see a bit of Paris in calm and safety. F****ing trains in The Uk….
Phil & Michaela
Well I’m pleased to say that Paris is its normal wonderful self with not the slightest hint of anything untoward. First post will be coming soon!
wetanddustyroads
Yes, sometimes things don’t always turn out the way you expect … but that can’t make you cancel everything and stay home instead, can it? And I’m sure your traveller instincts will warn you when it’s not safe (or to go in a different direction than originally planned). Enjoy the journey.